Masque of Beauty 26

Rime di Antimo Galli all’ Illustrissima Signora Elizabetta Talbot-Grey (Londini, Exeudebat M. Bradwood, 1609) STC: reel 1350:9

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STANZE FATTE CON L’OC- CASIONE D’VN BALLETTO gui dato da la Real Mta de la Regina de La gran Brettagna &c. Li. 6. di Genaro del 1608.
I
DOrmendo Amor’ più del’ v-
sato, in seno
De la sua madre, ella il mi-
naccia, egrida,
Inutil’ figlio neghittoso, &
à pieno
Madre infelice, che di te si fida;
Prendi i tuoi dardi, la faretra, e sieno
Per li tuoi colpi più sospiri, estrida.
Vedi misero, vedi ch’io discerno,
C’haurai di tua viltà vergogna, e scherno.

2
Ei pien di sdegno si risente, e sorge,
E si duol de la madre accerba, e ria.
Poi la tenera mano al’ arco porge,
Eleuandosi a’ volo, al Ciel s’iuuià.
La Dea, che l’ira del suo figlio scorge,
I suoi lamenti de finir s’oblia:
E tutta accesa d’un pungente zelo
Fà risonar l’aria, la terra, e’l Cielo.



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[p 2]
3
Deh torna figlo altuo materno Regno,
Dic’ ella torna, anima, lume, e core,
Dolce ben mio, che pensi, ou’è lo sdegno,
Che ti sospinge à cosi gran furore?
Deh torna mie delitie, è mio sostegno
Ch’egual non si ritroua almio dolore;
Doue n’andrai per farmi di te priua,
Vorrai tù pur, che disperata io viua?

4
Con queste, & altre sue dolenti note,
La bella Dea verso il suo figlio attende,
E con le proprie man, tallor percote
Il bianco petto, e di furor s’accende:
Amor di ciò non cura, e più che puote,
Col suo gran volo, in alto l’aria fende;
Poi squarcia iluel da gl’occhi, e con grand’ ira
Ripreso il lume, in ver la terra gira.

5
Frà l’altre parti de la terra vede
Isola, che dal mar’ è cint a intorno,
Quest’è la nobil Anglia, e qui risiede
Dei gran Brittoni il Rè di virtù adorno.
Qui fermar l’ali Amor, qui porre il piede
Pensa prima, ch’il sol gl’asconda il giorno,
Egià sopra vi giunge, efà disegno
Drizzarsi, à la città capo del Regno.


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[p. 3]
6
Fende l’aria veloce, e sopr’ arriua
Del bel Ta migi, àle feconde arene,
V’siede Londra, insu la destra riua,
Cui prodigo fù’l ciel d’ogni suo bene.
Quiui virtù, qui nobiltà, s’auuiua,
Qui gentilezza in pregio si mantiene,
Quiui han le grazie il tempio, e qui s’honora,
D’ogni stagion la bella, e uaga flora.

7
Volando mira il vago sito à pieno,
Ne di volar, per rimirar s’arresta;
Magia la notte nel’ algente seno
Del’ ampia terra, il suo riposo apresta,
Enel tranquillo mar, nel Ciel sereno
Ogn’ euro, ogn’ aura dal vagar si resta,
Ementre di più stelle il Ciel si copre,
Si resta ogni mortal dal’ vsat’opre.

8
Onde già pensa, oue posar ei deggia
Le stanche dal camin tenere membra;
O s’incognito pure, ò ch’altri il veggia,
Che de lo sdegno troppo si rimembra.
Risolue alfin drizzarsi in ver la Reggia,
Che loco più sicur questo gli sembra,
Equi tra Dame con suo gran diletto,
Incognito trouar qual che ricetto.


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[p. 4]
9
I’ensa negl’ occhi, ò fra le neui ignude
Di bella donna starsene celato,
Equi frà l’alme al suo bel regno crude
Mostrar quanto, che possa Amore irato;
Edice; s’auerrà, ch’ unqu’ io mi chiude
In quei bei seni, òche felice stato,
Più Venere non curo, ne’l suo regno,
Ne temo sue minaccie, od il suo sdegno.

10
Qui mostrerò del valor mio tal possa,
Che rimarranne forsi alfin contenta,
Altrui prouarfarò quello, ch’io possa,
Equanto il foco mio fere, e tormenta;
In darno non sarà questa mia mossa,
Anzi, che fino il Giel vuò che la senta,
E si crudi faran gl’incendi miei,
Ch’arder faronne insieme huomini e Dei.

11
Cosi dic’egli, e àl’alta Reggia intanto
Aggiunge, e passa, e à gl’occhi altrui s’asconde
Vede sbanditi quì la doglia, e’l pianto,
E’l riso, e’l gioco par sol, che vi abonde,
Ode musiche voci in ogni canto,
A’larmonia de quali Echo risponde,
Echo alterna le voci, Amore intento,
Hà quasi l’ra, e’l duol dal petto spento.


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[p. 5]
12
Ma doue di ben mille, e mille faci,
Splende nouello giorno egli s’inuia,
Là doue da dolci aure, aure viuaci
Di spiriti Celesti, vn Ciel si cria
V’arriua, e passa, edi gloria veraci
Vestigia vede, quasi in Cielo ei sia,
Amorosi sembianti, e pellegrini
Scorge, frà cori Angelici, e Diuini.

13
Sotto Ciel vago, dipiu’ raggi ardente,
Trono Real, trono sublime, ei vede;
E tal qualgià Fetonte in Oriente
Vide, ascendendo à la paterna sede.
Di nuouo sdegno ingombra allor la mente
Cupido, che Ciprigna esser qui crede:
Poi che Diua Celeste, à lui si scopre,
D’Angelici sembianti, d’atti, e d’opre.

14
Donna Real sotto il bel trono assisa
Splende, frà vaghe Ninfe, à lei d’intorno;
In quel sembiant e ist esso, in quella guisa,
Che frà le stelle il sol si mostra adorno.
Ond’ e’ cagion, ch’il cieco arcier s’auisa
Essere in Cielo, ou’ è perpetuo’l giorno:
Perciò confuso più non sà, che farsi,
S’egli celar si deggia, ò pur mostrarsi.


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[p. 6]
15
Non l’isola di Cipro, o Papho e questa,
Ne sono in Ciel, che pur testè il lasciai,
Ne Vener puotè, dice, esser si presta,
Che pria di me giungesse à darmi guai.
Ma pure ò quel’Angelica, e modesta
Presenza ella mi sembra e ai dolei rai
Ese dessa non è, qual altra fia,
In cuitanta beltà raccolta sia.

16
Più la risguarda, più credenza piglia,
Che sia la Dea, che tanto il mondo honora,
Nota le belle parti à marauiglia,
La grazia, eleggia dria, ch’altri inna mora;
Ementre in lei si specchia, e si consiglia,
E à lo splendor di lei suoi strali indora,
Pensa deporlo sdegno, e humile, e prono
Chieder del suo fallir à lei perdono.

17
Quando sorger la vede, e invaghi giri
Menar Celeste, e gloriosa danza.
Amor, che fai? che pensi? ò che rimiri?
Han forse i Dei nel Ciel simile vsanza?
Non più febo, ò Diana intorno giri,
Che questa i motide bei Cieli auanza;
Ceda pur Gioue, e ogni stellata sfera
Al moto di costei, che l’alme impera.


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[p. 7]

18
Doue con Maestà’l bel piede posa,
Sembra, ch’il suol germogli, e che s’infiori,
Spuntar quà vedi vn giglio, elà vna rosa,
S’orna la stanza di nouelli honori;
Ela chioma spargendo aurea pomposa,
Ne forma dolci lacci à mille cori,
El’ Aura, che d’intorno, e vola, e fiede,
Fà d’amor ricche, & honorate prede.

19
Ahi, che quest’ è la grazia, e la vaghezza,
De la mia gentrice in Paradiso;
Poiche rauiso ben l’alta bellezza,
Ileggiadri sembianti, e’l chiaro viso.
Tal ebro, in vn di gioia, edi dolcezza,
Amor parlando và, tenendo fiso
Sempre gl’occhi in colei, in cui si serra,
Quanto di bel riposto è in Cielo, e’n terra.

20
Ma ecco homai la nobil schiera, anc’ella
Danzando, far di sè pomposa mostra,
Ch’appar si vaga à gl’occhi altrui, si bella,
Che ciò, ch’in Ciel s’asconde, ella ne mostra,
Amor ne sol giamai vide, ne stella
Splender cosi n e la superna chiostra;
Ne tanto colà sù ricco tesoro
Di perle, di rubin, smeraldi, & oro.


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[p. 8]
21
Fermo il crudo garzon sul’ali, assisa,
A maggior nouitate allor le ciglia,
Fanciullo appargli, in si leggiadra guisa,
Che di stupor lo colma, e marauiglia,
Ch’ei sia nouo cupido gia s’auisa,
Nè da riprender è, s’egli error piglia,
Ch’ai bei sembianti, à le fattezze, al ciglio,
Può creder ben, ch’ei sia di Vener figlio.

22
Da timor ad error, da sdegno ad ira,
Sen và cupido, e sol vendetta brama,
Freme in se stesso s’ange, esi martira,
E duro il suo destino, e iniquo chiama,
Efrà sè parla; dunque hor altri aspira,
Ad vsurpar l’alta mia gloria, e fama?
Et io da Citerea così tradito,
Negletto me n’andrò mostrato à dito?

23
Ed altri fia del mio bel Regno crede?
Altro Amor har à’ lmondo altro cupido?
Soffrirò, ch’il mio scettro, e la mia sede
Possiedan Dei nouelli, in Papho, ein Gnido?
E’questa dunque ò Ciel, l’alta mercede,
Ch ’al mio valor si deue? Ingrato, e infido,
Che vuoi, che come vil sogetto indegno,
Ceda ad altro signor mia gloria, e’l regno.


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[p. 9]

24
Ah non sia ver, che s’io son quello Amore,
Qual esser soglio, es’ hò pur l’arco, e i strali,
Se spira il petto il solito furore,
Es’ à gl’homeri miei saran pur l’ali,
Fiè l’altrui strazio, fine almio dolore:
Ne al grand’ ardir vedrò mie forze frali;
Ceda l’affetto al’ira, e Vener senta,
Che la face d’Amor non è ancorspenta.

25
Mà pur nel suo nouello crede cada
L’aspra vendetta, per maggior suo affanno:
Sia destin, ciò, ch’io voglio, e voi la strada
Fatemi ò strali ad altrui biasmo, e danno.
Ad onta de la Dea à terra vada
L’altero figlio, e’l temerario inganno;
Sù, sù, ò miei fedeli, à voi s’aspetta,
Di tanta ingiuria far l’alta vendetta.

26
Cio detto, vn stral da la far etra prende,
Eletto à ciò, ebe far egli desia,
E sul’arco l’adatta, el’arco tende,
Euerso il bel fanciullo ecco l’inuia;
Scocca il pennuto strale, el’aria fende,
Ne di giungere alsegno egli s’oblia,
Lo giunse’ alpetto; destinato segno:
Ma fù chi van d’amor rese il disegno.


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[p. 10]
27
Però ch’il Veglio de la Reggia Dio,
Cui de suoi Rè commessa è l’alta cura,
Ne ciò, ch’ à lui si dè, pone in oblio;
Ma del gran Gioue, il gran voler procura,
Scorgendo qui d’Amore il van desio,
Con aita inuisibil rassicura
Da morte il pargoletto, e al colpo tolse
La forza, nè soffrir la piaga volse.

28
Ma non tolse però, ch’il bel Giacinto
Non fesse il suol, di suo bellezze adorno,
E allor, ch’Amor pensò, ch’ei fosse estinto
Sorse, à recargli più vergogna, e scorno.
Che per gl’occhi auampando, il viso tinto
Portò, di vaga porpora d’intorno,
Eserenando, poi le luci belle,
Fugò la notte, e dileguò le stelle.

29
L’incognita cagion de la caduta
Rese ogni cor di maraguilia pieno
Ne restò lingua allhor per pietà muta,
Ne puote occhio tener sue stille a freno:
Ma il non scorgersi inlui piaga, ò feruta
Fe il volto di ciascun tornar sereno,
E più in lieto cangiossi ogni cor tristo,
Quando il regio fanciullo in piè fù visto.


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[p. 11]

30
Cupido, poiche vide il colpo ir vano,
E ch’ altri gl’hauea tolto la vendetta,
Fù per morir, fù per venir insano,
Ein altro modo à vendicarsi affretta.
Ma il Genio, che lo scorge, empio, e in humano,
Gli si fa incontro, ne più tempo aspetta,
E sciogliendo la voce in cotal suono,
Di questa Reggia, dice, il Genio so no.

31
Ma dimmi à mè, tù far etrato arciero,
Ou’ apprendesti à far si nobil proue?
Che contro ad vnfanciul ti mostri altiero,
Forsi à te manca, in cui tue forze proue?
Và ripon l’arco, ei strai, perch’ oggi in vero
Imprese hai fatte inusitate, enoue;
Ben fanciul fosti, ed hor sei piu, che mai:
Poi ch’ altri, ch’un fanciul ferir non sai.

32
Và torna pur tra gli stellanti chiostri,
A riportar di tue prodezze il vanto:
Ne disturbare in questi regni nostri,
Con gli tuoi sdegni l’alta gioia, e’l canto.
Ma se cupido sei, come pur mostri
Al portamento, al volto amato, e santo.
Perc’ hai si crude, esi ferine voglie?
Come tant’ ira vn cor celeste accoglie?


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[p.12]
33
Arde di sdegno, à tal parlar Cupido,
Nè soffrir può cotanto oltraggio, ed onta,
Ein bieco sguardo, e in minaccioso grido,
Mostra la mano à la vendetta pronta,
Chiama il Genio inhuman, crudele, e infido,
Ed’hora, in hora in maggior sdegno monta.
Ma quegli, ch’il furor, scorge, e comprende,
Con dolci detti à radolcirlo intende.

34
Edice in atto humil. Prego perdona,
O’picciol Dio, à questa lingua insana,
Ilibero parlare àl’ età dona,
Pon tregua al’ira, e ben fiè cosa humana.
Sò ben, ch’il tuo valor trà Dei risuona,
Ne trà mortali ancor non s’alontana;
Ese di grazie vn Diuo appote è degno,
Dimmi almen la cagion di tanto sdegno.

35
Egli che pria schernito, e poi pregato
Si sente; alquanto l’ira in oblio pone,
E con sembiante altero, e in parte grato,
De la sua fuga la cagion gl’espone:
Ein raccontando il suo doglioso stato,
Più volte au ampa in viso, ed interpone [perhaps ‘intorpone’],
Singulti à le parole, e sono, et dice,
Misero, one [perhaps ‘oue’ not ‘one’] pensui d’esser felice.


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[p. 13]
36
Che non si tosto quiui hò messo il piede,
Che’ visto hò quel, che men veder desio.
Poi che misero me, qui tien sua sede
Vener, che d’ingannarmi hà sol desio.
Mira il diuino aspetto, in cui risiede
Quanto di bel puon darne il Cielo, e Iddio.
Mira, che per mio scorno, e per mio danno,
Altri fà del mio regno esser tiranno.

37
Dunque s’ à vendicarmi hebbi pensiero,
Sopra il Garzone, c’hor da noi si mira,
E se verso di lui mi mostro altiero,
E sol perch’egli al mio bel regno aspira.
Ma credi à mè, s’inganna di leggiero.
S’egli non teme la mia forza, & ira.
E sien [‘sien’ could read ‘fien’] mie forze inuero inermi, e frali,
Pria ch’altri altier sen vada de miei strali.

38
E tù forse di lei ministro ancora.
Con nuoua fraude qui mi tieni à <?> [difficult to read the ?, perhaps and L or a b, but it looks corrected,] ada,

Ed io si sciocco son, fò qui dimora,
Ne cercò à la vendetta aprirmi strada.
Ma pria che sorga in ciel la nuoua Aurora,
Farò ch’indarno l’ira mia non cada,
Che non sia ver, che sian quei spiriti estinti,
Coi quai più volte i Dei del Cielo hò vinti.


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[p. 14]
39
Sallo ben Gioue, che più volte in proua
Venne del suo poter contro i miei strali:
Dicalo Marte, se conforza noua
Hò fatte l’armi sue deboli, e frali.
Ma che dir le mie proue, hora mi gioua,
S’elle son già per se chiare, e immortali;
E Citerea lo sà, che nel suo petto,
Più volte al foco mio diede ricetto.

40
Io dunque espugnator d’huomini, e Dei,
E gran sogiogator del’ vniuerso
Starò negletto? E fian gl’incendi miei,
E’l mio furore in me stesso conuerso?
Nò, nò, sentansi pur strida, & homei
Nel al me altrui, e vada errante, esperso
Altri, e riposo, e pace io mi procuri.
E se Vener non vuol di mè non curi.

41
Cosi dice; e quel Dio sorride intanto,
Del dolce inganno, in cui scorge Cupido.
Onde per adolcir lo sdegno alquanto,
Ripiglia à dir, ò gransignor di Gnido.
Scaccia l’ira, e’l furor, da tregua al pianto,
Che questo loco, è à tè sicuro, e fido;
Quiui non fraude, e non inganno veggio:
Ma sol la cortesia v’hà posto il seggio.


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[p. 15]
42
Colei, che miri in maestoso aspetto,
Vener non è seben Vener somiglia.
Han ben le grazie in lei fido recetto,
Et è di Re, Suor, Madre, Sposa, e Figlia.
Il vago Pargoletto è suo diletto,
In cui ella si specchia, e si consiglia:
Di degni Genitor Figlio ben degno,
Minor herede nel Britanno Regno.

43
Come tallor nela stagion nouella,
Oscura nube al Sol vela la faccia,
E con orridi tuoni, atra procella,
L’Aria, la Terra, e’l Mar sgrida, e minaccia.
Se Febo allhora in questa parte, e in quella,
Coi caldi raggi la risolue, escaccia,
E sopre il scintillante, aurato viso,
Ogni Prato, ogni Fior ride al suo riso.

44
Cotal al proferir dei dolci accenti
Del Veglio serenò Cupido il volto;
Fuggir de l’ira i procellosi venti,
Col vano error, in cui fù prima inuolto
Eserenando i begl’ occhi lucenti,
Mostrò, quant’hà dolcezza Amor raccolto;
Et infiammando i cor di nuouo ardore,
Parea ciascun gridar, qui regna Amore.


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[p. 16]
45
E poi, con note placide, e benigne
Riuolto al Genio: sì gli parla, edice,
Deh qual ventura hor qui mi guida espigne,
Che forsi fia d’agni mio ben radice?
Deh, s’in queste contrade aure maligne,
Mai spiri il Cielo, e te faccia felice;
Dimmi buon veglio ond’è ch’io veggio vnita
Tanta beltade quì varia, e infinità?

46
Rispose quegli, spettatrici sono
Le varie genti, che d’intorno miri,
Del bel drappello, che nel regio trono,
Pria rimirasti in triplicati giri;
Che poi danzando al concertato suono,
Fù causa à te dipianto, e di sospiri.
Egli àla Diua de Brittanni affida
Sua scorta, ella lo regge elle l guida.

47
E finta Historia ciò, che quì mostra:
Ma non è finta gia’ l’alma beltate,
Di cui il Ciel per maggior gloria nostra
Ornò quest alme elette, alme bennate:
Onde ciò, ch’egli indora, imperla, e inostra
Tutto s’aschriua à la costor bontate.
Si fingon Ninfe de la notte e furo
Pria negre tutte, e di sembiante oscuro.


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[p. 17]
48
Ma poscia, ad onta de la Dea di Delo,
Cangio, la notte il lor bruno sembiante,
Elefè bianche sì, che sin dal Cielo,
Ne venne il fabbro de le stelle amante.
Poi da benigna stella, e santo zelo
Scorte, posar nel Anglia al fin le piante;
Depò tre anni, che per l’Oceano
Errando andò l’Isola loro in vano.

49
In cui per sdegno la triforme Dea
Confinate l’hauea, con destin tale,
Che mai trouar riposo non douea:
Mà gir errando per l’ondoso sale,
Infino   tanto, ch’ella non giungea
In parte, ù la beltà non troui eguale,
Oue con innefabile dolcezza,
S’adori, e riuerisca la bellezza.

50
Eperche l’Anglia è sol vnica al mondo,
In bellezze, in valor in leggiadria;
Quiui il gentil drappel vago, egiocondo,
Beltade aggiunse àla beltà di pria.
Quiui l’Isola errante hà dato fondo,
V destinato ha l’alma Dea, che stia.
Onde di gigia piene, e di bal danza,
Formarle Ninfe la leggiadra danza.


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[p. 18]
51
Qui tacque il Genio, Ma Cupido allhora,
Deh segui disse, e trammi homai di pena,
Fà ch’io cognosca, e sappia ì nomi ancora,
Del’altre Dame, onde la stanza è piena.
A’ cui rispose pria verrà l’Aurora,
Ch’io possa à te nomarle, onde raffrena
Cotanto tuo desir, ebasti solo,
Ch’io noto faccia il più pregiato stuolo.

52
Ma doue haurò la voce, ele parole
Degne, d’un si eccellente alto sogetto?
Ch’io dica di colei, che soura il sole
Hà dato ai suoi pensier nobil ricetto?
Donna, ch’è frà le donne vniche, e sole
Vnica, esola e sol del Cielo obbietto.
Dunque Cupido meco homai t’inchina
A questa de Brittanni alta Regina.

53
Regina, e Dea insieme, il cui gran nome
Glorioso, e felice alto risuona;
De le cui belle tempie, e illustri chiome,
Degna fiè sol di stelle aurea corona.
De cori Imperatrice homai la nome
Il mondo tutto, e versi l’Elicona
Tante de l’onde suoi,ch’inbronzi, e in marmi
S’incida il valor d’ ANNA in aurei carmi,


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[p. 19]
54
E tanto basti, che più tosto errare
Tacendo vnò, che nel parlar dir poco.
Raccogli pur quant’è di singolare,
Frà l’alme più gentil, ch’in questa hà loco.
Grazie, ch’à pochi il Ciel concesse rare;
Alma, ch’accende i Dei del suo bel foco;
Beltade incomprensibile, e infinita,
Che la beltà del Ciel, ne mostra, e adita.

55
L’altra ch’àlei vicin poscia si vede,
Donna d’eterna fama, e immortal grido;
ARBELLA hà nome, e di prudenza accede
Ogn’altra più famosa in questo lido.
D’ogn eroica virtù il bel petto sede
Hà fatto, e’l caro honor compagno fido:
D’alto sauer, e di valor egregio,
A cui congionto insiem’è il sangue Regio.

56
Guarda colei, che si leggiadra splende,
Sempre inuitta d’Amor, belle guerriera,
Alcui lume, alcui raggio alluma, e accende
Febo dal Cielo la sua ardente sfera
Contessa è d’Arundelia, anzi si rende
Domatrice d’ogn’alma ancor che fera.
Tal nel campo Troian Pantasilea
Fe di sè mostra, e il suo nom’è ALHTEA


[sig. A12v]

[p. 19 [sic.]]
3[sic.]
ALICIA Darbiè l’altra, ò quanto, e quan to,
Sen và costei a’honori, emerti onusta,
Et hà con gran ragion di bella il vanto,
Frà l’età notra, e frà l’età vetusta.
E fin che godran l’alme il terreo manto,
Viurà la fama di tal Donna augusta,
Ch’ancor la sua bontà grand’, è natia,
Nele future età stimata fia.

58
Mà, che dirò di te degna d’impero
Alma, in cui regna nobiltà, e valore?
LVCIA d’ogni virtù ritratto vero,
Di cortesia ricetto, e d’ogni honore?
Titol quest’ hà di Bedfordia, altiero
Per molti, e molti Eroi d’alto splendore:
Ed è colei, che là t’adito, e mostro,
Ornamento, esplendor del secol nostro.

59
SVSANNA vedi di Montgomerie
Chiaro splendor di questa Regia Corte,
D’aspetto tal, ch’altra non so, che sie,
Che di maggior vaghezza il vanto porte.
Non quello auriga,ch’à noi parta il die
Sorge si bel da le Celesti porte,
Come costei, fra l’altre belle, bella,
Quant’è più bello quei d’ogn’altra stella;


[sig. B1]

[p. 21]
60
Ved ANNA Glifford, del già nobil Conte
Di Cumberlandia, figlia illustre, e vaga,
D’ogni grazia, e virtute ornato fonte,
E di bellezze tal, ch’ogn’un n’appaga.
Scherzan mille amoretti, in quel bel fronte,
E senza l’armi tue già fere, e impiaga;
Ch’i vaghi sguardi suoi dolci, e viuaci
Son nuoui strali, e inusitate faci.

61
Mira quattro sorelle insieme vnite
Di pari merto, e singolar valore,
Del Conte di Worcestria alm’, e gradite
Figlie son queste, e degne d’alto honore;
Sagge, prudenti, e d’honestà vestite,
D’ogn’alm’esempio, e d’ogni petto ardore,
E acciò tu sappia i nomi, vn’ ANNA è detta,
Due CATERINE, ed’altra ELIZABETTA.

62
MARIA di Neuille è l’altra poi,
De Conte di Dorsettia amata figlia,
E son si chiari, e noti i gesti suoi,
Ch’il mondo ebro sen và di merauiglia
Sol l’Alba forsi allor, ch’i lidi Eoi
Ingemma, è infiora à lei si rassomiglia.
Entrà l’altre sue doti vniche, e belle,
S’erge co i bei pensier soura le stelle.


[sig. B1v]

[p. 22]
63
HATTON figlia del Conte d’Excestria
E quella prima, e de Kildari l’altra
Dette Geraldi e l’altra Cicestria,
Del Baroni d’Arintonia figlia scaltra.
Mira vna poscia d’alta cortesia
Dotata, anzi per tal ciascun la scaltra:
Et è colei, che mostro illustre Dama,
Difregi adorna, e detta è Walsinghama.

64
Vera notizia già il buon vecchio hauea
Dato à Cupido, de la nobil schiera,
Che la Dea de Brittanni conducea,
Bella, qual fosse mai Filli, ò Neera,
Ma il Pargoletto, che di voglia ardea,
Hauer de l’altre conoscenza intera;
Senza molto pregarse, ch’ei seguisse,
E additando con man; cosi gli disse.

65
La bella, e Serenissima Fanciulla,
D’età Fanciulla, e di sauer già Donna,
Che colà miri, trae fin da la culla
Spirto Celeste, che di lei s’indonna.
Alta virtù, e valor seco trastulla,
Cela nè il nobil pensier feminil gonna.
Dal Cielo al secol nostro in premio data;
Figlia de nostri Regi alma ben nata.


[sig. B2r]

[p. 23]
66
ELIZABETTA hà nome, e in lei si scorge,
Frà Reali sembianti, animo Regio.
Princessa vnica al mondo, ecco risorge.
Per lei l’antica gloria, e l’alto pregio.
E questa poca lode, ch’or gli porge
Quest’humil vecchio, à lei fiè scarso fregio.
Fieni celebrati I merti di costei
Da mille, e mille Homeri, e mille Orfei.

67
De L’altre poscia, ch’à lei stanno appresso,
For a ben lungo à raccontart’i merti;
De la prima tu vedi in volto espresso
Nobil sembiante, e spirti illustri, e certi.
Ah perchè non mì tempo concesso
Ch’i pregi di MARIA tifaccia aperti?
Contessa è di Pembrochia, e il vago aspetto,
Ne mostra esser del mondo Idolo eletto.

68
Contessa di Suffolcia, è l’altra ornata,
Di valor tal, che sempiterno fie.
Hor mira la gentil coppia beata,
L’una d’Vlcestria, e l’altra Sussexie.
E quella vnica al mondo alma ben nata,
Guida à quel Sol, ch’à l’Anglia porta il die:
La di cui disciplina, e bel costume
E de l’alta Princessa, e sfera, e lume.


[sig. B2v]

[p. 24]

69
Quest’ ANNA è d’Arintonia, à cui vicino
ELIZABETTA Vutton sorge altera,
Qual con sembiante in vn graue, e Diuino,
Si mostra venerabile, e seuera.
Vedi di spirto eccelso, e pellegrino
HONORIA Hay fral’altre belle in schiera,
Ed’Aditon, è l’altr’à quest’appresso,
Nel cui viso tù Amor rassembri espresso.

70
Vedi colei, che sol Celeste sembra,
Al girar de begl’occhi al bianco petto?
Quella sol par, che d’Ateon le membra
Vaghe, cangiar fè nel ferino aspetto.
E questa de Vuroth, in cui rimembra
Il Cielo à noi l’almo suo bel perfetto.
E se vera honestà’n Donna risiede,
Ne la bella MARIA si scopre, e vede.

71
Guarda GIOVANNA di Drumond, in cui
Fà generoso cor l’vltima proua.
Non hà pari in prudenza, e à i merti sui
Il feminil valor s’orna, e rinoua.
E’l saggio suo sauer, l’ingegno altrui
Trapassa; ne alcun sin sua virtù troua.
Piena di grazia e d’honestate adorna,
Di cui la nostra età tant’hoggi s’orna


[sig. B3]

[p. 25]
72
Cosi aditando già ad vna, ad vna,
Il Genio le più belle, e le più chiare,
Ne lodo molte, e nominò ciascuna,
Alfin’altroue volse il suo parlare.
Perche volgendo gl’occhi, oue s’aduna
Frà grandi Eroi, il Re di virtù rare:
Colàfermogli, e noto al bel Cupido
Fè, di GIACOMO il grande, i merti, e’lgrido.

73
Quegli dice, è il gran Rege, à la cui mano,
Di triplicato Regno ilscettro è dato:
D’opere eccelso, e di valor sourano,
Solo al regnar, solo à l’Imperio nato.
L’àmpiezza de suoi merti, il senso humano
Trapassa, e dire al clemenzarmato.
Rè d’alto core, e di saggio consiglio,
Di pensier giusti, e venerando ciglio.

74
Eletto al bergo è di pietate antica,
D’antica fede, e di giustizia immensa:
Alm’ha regia, e augusta, alma nemica
Del vizio, e sol de la virtute accensa:
Di gloria obbietto, e splendidezza amica,
In cui sue grazie il Ciel pioue, e dispensa.
Ah, che pria numerar potrei le stelle,
Che le sue doti pellegrine, e belle.


[sig. B3v]

[p. 26]

75
Ma il più bello e gentil, ch’al mondo sia
E il Prence suo figliol, ch’innanz’è assiso;
Prence d’alto valor, di cortesia.
Di reali costumi, e vago viso.
In lui del genitor l’alta, e natia
Clemenza, e gran valor si scorge inciso;
E dà d’alto sauer veracisegni,
Giouane eletto à le Corone, e ài Regni.

76
Eccelso HENRICO, tù di gloria i frutti
Cogli maturi pria, ch’i fior sien visti:
In te la terra, el’Ciel riuolti tutti
Hà gl’occhi, e tranne homai lodati acquisti:
Fur gl’altrui merti sol dal tuo destrutti,
D’allor, che gl’occhi à l’artiregie apristi
Ond’I tuoi merti gloriosi, e illustri,
Viui saran per mille, e mille lustri.

77
E ben ragion, s’egli auerrà, ch’un quanco
Il crin t’adorni marzial diadema;
Ch’à quel nouello Alcide il mondo stanco
Vinto si renda, e tua potenza tema.
Ed io, che ciò, t’auguro, ecco rinfranco,
A tal speranza la mia forza scema.
E veggio, s’alfutur mi s’apre il velo.
Corone eterne prepararti il Cielo.


[sig. B4]

[p. 27]
78
Il picciol Duca d’Eborace è quello,
Che saettasti, e ch’hai creduto Amore,
Ai Regi figlio, e al Prence fratello,
D’anni fanciullo; ma non già di core.
E nel sembiante amorosetto, e bello,
Segno notar si può d’alto valore:
E scorgo di lontan, ch’al suo potere
Resister non potran l’armate schiere.

79
Quei poi, ch’a destra del Gran Rege siede,
E Don PEDRO de Finega , oratore
Di quel Monarca, cui già il mondo cede,
Ch’è del gran Regno Hibero, alto splendore.
Di virtù ornato, e immaculata fede
E questi, qual conuiensi à nobil core;
E con ben generosi effetti, ed opre,
Caualier di gran merto, altrui si scopre.

80
Vedi quei, ch’à sinistra altiero splende,
Del inuitta del Mar Reina figlio;
GIORGIO Giustiniani in cui risplende
Vera prudenza, e singolar consiglio.
Colà nel Adria, oue l’imperio stende
De l’alato Leone il fiero artiglio,
Fù ben frà mille Eroi d’alto intelletto,
Degno Oratore à questa Reggia eletto.


[sig. B4v]

[p.28]
81
E Duca di Lenox quei, che la vedi,
Graue in sembiante, e di cortese aspetto,
Caualier di gran pregio, ed à me credi,
Di gran prudenza ornato, e d’intelletto.
Il Conte d’Arundelia è l’altro, e chiedi,
Qual virtù vuoi, ch’egl’ è di lor ricetto;
Vuoi nobiltà, vuoi cortesia, vuoi fede,
Cercala in lui, che nel suo petto hà sede

82
E Conte di Worcestria il Gran Scudiero
Di questo Regno l’altro, e di gran merto.
Di Sottantonia, è quei grato, e seuero,
D’animo inuitto, e di valore esperto,
Mira di Nottinghamia il Conte altero,
Grand Ammiraglio, il cui gran pregio, e aperto
Et hà quel di Suffolcia appresso, degno
Gran Cameriero hor nel Brittanno Regno.

83
Và pur segendo, e guarda quei, ch’in volto
Tutto prudenza, e tutto giusto pare,
Cont’è di Northamptonia, e in esso è accolto
Ciò, ch’esser puote in huom di singolare.
Mira l’altro, ch’è solo intento, e voltò
Illustr’Eroe ad opre eccelse, e rare;
E di Pembrochia’l Conte saggio tanto,
C’hà frà i più degni Caualieri il vanto.


[sig. B5r]

[p. 29]
84
Ma qual consiglio, qual sauer, qual alma,
Prodigo’l Ciel[sic.] [should be "Conte"] ROBERTO à te concesse;
‘Poi ch’à te solo, eidiè d’honor la palma,
Vnico tè sol di prudenza elesse,
La fama tua sì gloriosa, & alma,
Per variar d’età, non fià che cesse,
Ch’ancor non sazio il fato, à nuoui honori
T’appella,e à nuoue palme,e à nuoui allori.

85
E Conte questi di Salisburie,
E l’altro, che de gl’anni è insù l’Aprile,
E il gentil Conte di Mongomerie,
Appo di cui ogn’altra grazia è vile,
Ved’il Viconte Leyle, vnqua non fie,
Ch’altro n’habbia la terra à lui simile,
Il Baron Karo è l’altro, huom graue,e giusto,
Di pensier saggio, e di prudenza onusto.

86
Di gran consiglio, e singolar valore
E il Baron Vutton, che costà tù mire;
Di questa nostra età pregio,e splendore,
C’hà sol di gloria etern’alto desire.
L’altro ben degno fiè di sommo honore,
Se giouinetto par, che tanto aspire;
Se di virtù cotanto chiaro hor fassi,
Auanzar i grand’Aui, anco vedrassi


[sig. B5v]

[p. 30]
87
E il Baron Walden questi, in cui risplende,
Di mille antichi Eroi la gloria vera;
Tal ch’emulo di lor, viè più s’accende
Avirtù più magnanima, e sincera.
Ed al suo nome già vinta si rende
Del Mondo ogn’alma, benche ardita, e fiera;
E tanto la fortuna, e’l Ciel gl’arride,
Che par, ch’il mondo tutto à gloria sfide.

88
Non cede punto d’animo, ò desio,
Ad alcun altro quei, che là t’addita,
Caualier generoso, altero, e pio,
Quant’altro spada cinga in questo lito.
Ad opre eccelse, qual altro s’udio?
Che fosse mai si valoroso, e ardito?
E TOMAS Somerfer al Ciel diletto
Di grazie albergo edi virtù ricetto.

89
Ma volgiti colà, doue s’aduna,
Di nobili Scozzesi alta corona,
In questi il Ciel cotante grazie aduna,
Ch’il mondo tutto ne rimbomba, e suona.
Somma gloria nel armi, e alta fortuna,
Concesse sempre lor Marte, e Bellona;
Che d’animo di forze, edi valore
Degni si fan, che ciaschedun gl’honore.


[sig. B6]

[p. 31]
90
Guarda il Conte Dombar, cui presso siede,
Quello di Marra, ed’Obigni il Barone:
Ciascun di lor d’alta virtute Erede,
E che suo fin sol nela gloria pone.
Roxburgh e l’altro, ò quanto ogn’altro eccede,
Di prudenza, di merto, edi ragione:
Ed hà Sancar vicin nobile, e altero,
Quand’altro sia, dentro il Brittanno Impero.

91
Ma quei, che si felice, e lieto i passi
Per la via de le stelle ardito moue,
E GIACOPO d’Haei, che lieto fassi
Corona de virtuti eccelse e noue,
D’Adintonia il Baron è quei,che stassi
In att’altiero, e quasi’l Ciel commoue,
C’hauendo generoso’l petto, e’l core,
D’honor auampa tutto entro, edi fuore.

92
Ma troppo lungo fia, se di ciascuno,
Vorrò le lodi raccontarti à pieno:
Più tosto de l’impres’esser digiuno
Vorrei, edi promessa venir meno.
Pur frà cotanti, ne dirò sol vno,
Ch’or viue lungi à le sue gioie inseno;
Ne dilungar lo fe da questa Corte,
Ch’una sua dolce, & amorosa sorte.


[sig. B6v]

[p. 42[sic.] [should be 32] ]

93
Ei nella Patria sua di Scozia I giorni
Lieti trapassa, d’ogni grazia ornato:
E tanto par, che gl’aui auanzi, & orni,
Quanto egli è più d’ogn’altro à virtù vsato.
Conte è di Perth, e ne gl’anni più adorni,
Costumi hà, che lo fanno à pien beato.
Sempre à benignità le voglie hà pronte,
Quasi face d’honor, di gloria fonte.

94
Nè te lassord indietro, ò de la bella
Ettruria specchio, ch’or tra noi ten viui:
Qual di virtute in te viuace stella
Risplende, ò LOTTI, ò quai Celestiriui?
A' più sublimi imprese homai t’appella
Il Ciel, per collocarti anco tra i Diui;
E’l tuo Gran Duce, e la tua Patria gode
Del honor, del valor, ch’in te pur ode.

95
Mentre il genio cio dice, e guarda intorno,
S’il valoroso giouin veder puote;
In vn volto seren di luce adorno,
Quasi in sfera Febea gl’ochhi percuote
Ben parue allor, che si cangiasse in giorno
L’oscura Notte,e’l’infiammate ruote
De Sol vscisser fuor del molle argento;
Vibrando intorno cento raggi, e cento.


[sig. B7]

[p. 13[sic.] [should be 33] ]
96
A lo scoprir de la beltà nouella,
Tacito resta il Genio, immoto Amore:
Ma poiche quei poteò, cosi fauella;
Ecco da nouo Ciel, nouo splendore.
FRANCESCA Auuord’è questa altera, e bella,
Contessa d’ Essex , degna d’alto honore;
Ch’alfolgorar de osi bella Aurora,
Cedon le stelle, e’l Sol se n’innamora.

97
Così dice egli, a Amor centempla, e mira
L’alte fattezze pellegrine, e ole;
N hà gioia, n’hà stupore, e loda, e ammira
Il bel, ch’al Ciel fà scorno, e inuidia al Sole.
Di cui fatto egli amante, alfin sospira,
Ne d’altro cura, ne più saper vuole:
Cosi l’istesso Amore, à poco, à poco,
Se stesso arde, e consuma al proprio foco.

98
E dice, ò bella, se in te luce, e posa,
Quel ben, che può bearmi, e far giocondo;
Se vaga sei più, che vermiglia rosa,
Se puoi trar l’alme dal tartareo fondo.
Fà, ch’in te alberghi anch’io, fà, ch’in te posa
Habbia quel Dio, che diè l’amare al mondo:
Sia quel bel viso tuo, sia quel bel petto,
Poich’è di Grazie, anche d’Amor ricetto


[sig. B7v]

[p. 34]
99
Indi senz’altro dir, nel vago viso
Di lei, sen gio il pargoletto à starsi.
Et hor ne gl’occhi hor nel grazioso riso,
Altrui si mostra, hor frà I bei crini sparsi.
E mentre ei quiui gode il Paradiso,
Son mille cori inceneriti, & arsi,
Che s’hebbe pria quel volto alto valore,
Hor, che dee far, poiche u’è aggiunto Amore.

100
Mentre dunque qual ape, e liba, e fugge
Il dolce mel da le vermiglie rose;
E scherza, e vola, hor si ritira, hor fugge,
E mille prede fà dolci, e amorose.
Pur nel intatto sen’alfin rifugge,
In cui di propria mano ei già ripose,
Con somma gioia sua, con suo diletto,
Sopra due colli egual candor perfetto.

101
Ma intanto scesa quì dal terzo Cielo
Vener, cercando era ’l suo figlio Amore;
E richiedeane con materno zelo,
Mostrando’l dispiacer, c’hauea nel core.
Ahi di chi dicea homai più mi querelo,
Che del mio repentino empio furore:
Io troppo abimè contro l’amato figlio,
Mostraiseuero, disdegnoso il ciglio.


[sig. B8]

[p. 35]
102
Così si duole; & indi alta sciogliendo
La voce, grida. Udite, ò voi mortali:
Io, che Venere sono, à voi discendo
Per rimedio trouare à i miei gran mali.
Il Pargoletto mio, se ben comprendo,
Quinci volonne, e qui raccolte hà l’ali.
Datemi dunque voi, datemi noua,
Se’l fuggitiuo miò quà giù si troua.

103
Donne leggiadre à voi chieder nol voglio,
Che troppo contr’Amor crudeli siete.
Scherzaui ’ntorno ei spesso,e uoi d’orgoglio
Il petto armato, à sue lusinghe hauete.
Mà ben spero trouarlo, dou’io soglio,
V l’hore menar suol tranquille, e liete:
Frà gl’huomini cortesi hauerlo spero,
Vlieto regge l’amoroso Impero.

104
Equalunque huomo fia, ch’à me l’insegni,
Uuò, ch’egli in guiderdone vn bacio n’habbia.
Dunque di ritrouarlo, ogn’un s’ingegni,
Ch’lnettar gustar vuol de le mie labbia.
E chi farà, c’humile à mè ne vegni,
Deposto il primo suo furore, e rabbia;
Cotal premio n’haurà, di cui maggiore,
Conceder non gli può il Regno d’Amore.


[sig. B8v]

[p. 36]
105
Il genio, à l’apparir del’alma Dea,
D’un amoroso zeltosto s’accende:
E poi sentendo quel, che promettea,
A chi del figlio suo nuoue gli rende.
Maggior di questa dice, or non potea
Auuenirmi ventura, e doue splende
La bella Citerea, si volge, e dice,
Il Ciel ti faccia, `o bella Dea felice.

106
Felice faccia te, come tù fai
Quest’alma Reggia gloriosa, e bella;
Deponi homai l’affanno, asciuga irai.
Che qui del caro figlio haurai nouella.
Purche tù osserui ciò, che promess’hai,
Ne menzognera facci tua fauella,
Eche quegli, ch’à tè l’insegna n’habbia
Vn dolce bacio, da le belle labbia.

107
Serua palude Stigie il tuo rigore,
Pria che di mio promessa io venga meno.
Ma innazivuò, del mio bel figlio Amore,
Veder il volto angelico, e sereno.
Cosi dic’ella. E orreuole splendore
Lampeggiar gl’occhi suoi, quasi baleno.
E nel riso, ne gl’atti, e nel sembiante,
Mostrò del Cielo le bellezze tante


[sig. B9]

[p. 37]
108
Soggiunge allora il Veglio, il tuo Cupido,
Nel seno di FRANCESCA ascoso giace,
Di cui, ei (quasi vn Ciel) felice nido
Hà fatto, e quiui ei gode, e si compiace.
O quanto è quello albergo amico fido
A le sue gioie, e sia pur con tua pace,
Che teco ell’emoleggia, e se non giunge
A la bellezza tua, non ti và lunge.

109
In quel bel viso, in quel bel petto porge
La vaga Dea allor gl’occhi, e le ciglia,
E’l bel Garzon frà quelle neui scorge,
Ou’ ad amare ogn’vn sforz’e consiglia
Ne cosi tosto ei de la Dea s’accorge,
Che vien la guancia sua tutta vermiglia:
Mà la Dea piena d’amoroso affetto,
Lo prende, bacia, e se lo stringe al petto.

110
E doppo le carezze, e i cari baci,
E l’imposto perdono al cieco Arciero.
Pieno di gioia, mille ardenti faci
Auentò a i cori il Garzonetto altiero.
Dolci ire, dolci sdegni, e dolci paci,
Ben dolce fate l’amoroso impero;
E pur de la mia Donna i dolci rai,
Dolci ver me girar, non vidi io mai.


[sig. B9v]

[p. 38]
111
Indi, le labbra sue dolci, e amorose,
La bella Dea al Genio offerse, e volse.
Ed egli vn bacio da le fresche rose,
Più dolce, ch’ei poteo libonne, e tolse.
Et in gustando le dolcezze ascose,
Di piacer l’alma sua stemprossi, e sciolse:
Mà la soauità grande, e infinita,
Puote del bacio, anche tornarlo in vita.

112
Nè lo smarrito spirto sol rinfranca,
Ma’n giouanile et à cangiar si vede;
Di render grazie allor, egli non manca
Ala gran Dèa, ch’opera sua la crede.
Ed ella, che non mai vedesi stanca,
Di render del ben fare altrui mercede;
Per mantenendo Amor, alza le ciglia
Inver le stelle, e cosi à dir ripiglia

113
Gran Padre Gioue fà, che questa Reggia
Sia sopra ogn’altra, in ogni tempo Augusta.
Fà, che l’Alma, e Real coppia si veggia,
Sempre di merti gloriosi onusta.
E il nobil germe, che di lei verdeggia,
Gl’Eroi surpassi de l’età vetusta;
Ech’io gli veggia allor, ch’il mortal velo
Lasciato hauran, con l’altre stelle in Cielo.


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114
Fà, che qui la pietà, qui la giustizia,
Ogni grazia, e virtù raccolta sia:
Ch’ogni piacer v’abbondi, ogni douizia,
Di sommo ben, ch’il Ciel donar potria.
Quinci il pianto sia lunge, e sol letizia
Habbia nel’alme di ciascun balia.
Quì non di fraude, ò ambizion fallace:
Ma sia tempio d’Amor, tempio di pace.

115
Sia sempre in voi, Donne leggiadre, e belle;
La grazia insieme, e la bellezza vnita;
Siate di casto amor, deuote ancelle,
Che così l’alma al Ciel fiè più gradita.
Mà per questo non vuò, ch’empie, e rubelle
Siate, mai sempre, à chi per voi hà vita:
Aquei, ch’è più in amor costante, e forte,
Aprir douete di pietà le porte.

116
E tù d’ogn’altra più vaga, e gentile,
Che celeste ti scopri, e non mortale;
Poich’il mio figlio à te si rese humile,
Farò di merto à tè nul’altr’eguale,
E quel bel fior, di cui t’ammanta Aprile,
Gioue lo renda in te sempre immortale;
E faccia in sin dal Mauro à i lidi Eoi
Quei, che di te verran famosi Eroi.


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117
Le Grazie Amore, & io con loro insi me,
Sempre sarem propizi à i desir vostri,
Uiuete pur viuete, ò Donne in speme,
Ch’i vostri affetti sien gl’affetti nostri.
E perche quinci homai partir ne preme,
E ritornar frà gli stellanti chiostri.
A’questa de Gran Regi altera sede
Vogliamo Amore, & io per ora il piede.

118
El Genio, e la Real stanza lasciando,
La figlia del Gran Gioue, e Amor spario.
Mille vaghi Amoretti allor cantando,
Colmaro ognun di gioia, e di desio.
Ogn’alma in dolce ardor trouessi quando
Partita fece il farretrato Dio,
Ne fù si freddo petto, ò duro core,
Ch’arder non si sentisse allor d’Amore

119
Deh se qui tù ELIZABETTA insieme,
Con l’altre belle fosti stata in schiera,
De le virtuti tue alte, e supreme
Sentito haurebbe Amor la fama intera.
Quiui de tuoi grand Aui, il chiaro seme,
E de TALBOTTI la progenie altera.
E del gran Padre tuo, il gran Gilberto
Fatto hauria il Genio manifesto il merto.


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120
Quantunque huopo non sia, che per se stessa,
Di cotanto huom, chiaro la fama il face;
Che di scerosberie la gloria impressa
Esì ’n altrui, ch’ogn’altra oscura giace.
Ma qual Donna più al ciel poggia, e s’appressa,
Qual è più accesa di Celeste face,
De la tua Genitrice? in cui d’honore
Riluce, à par del Sol, nouo splendore.

121
Di virtù, di valor, di gentilezza
E frà le Donne ella inesausto fonte:
Honori, e ambizion schiua, e diprezza,
Promette sol pietà la nobil fronte.
In generoso core, humile altezza
Hà posto il Ciel, frà le sue doti conte.
Anzi solo in MARIA, il mondo tutto,
Di ben raccoglie inestimabil frutto.

122
Qui de Candicci il Caualier egregio,
Il nobil CARLO di te Zio ben degno,
Frà gl’altri Eroi huuto haurebbe il pregio,
Come d’ogni virtù, vero sostegno.
Ben dritto dunque fia, ch’il nobil Fregio
Di cotant’alme, in te trapassi il segno,
Che nobil frutto suol nobil radice
Produrre, e da virtù gloria s’elice.


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123
Anzi, che tanto in tè trapassa il merto,
O Donna, d’ogni Donna ornata, e bella,
Ch’il Ciel, che vede il bel pensiero aperto,
Gia destinato egl’hà farti sua stella;
Ed al tuo gran valor non fià tropp’erto
Il entiero del Ciel, ou’el t’appella.
Perche se ben in ciò giudizio io fei,
Posa in te il Cielo, etu Celeste sei.

124
Cosi, com’à immortal Celeste Nume,
Queste mie rime à tè consacro, e dono.
Anzi s’auuien, che quel immenso fiume
Di tua benignità gradisca il dono:
Al tuo sublime, e risplendente lume,
Farò d’altro sogetto vdire, il suono:
E s’udiran l’alte virtù, c’honoro
Da Borea al Ostro, e dal Mar Indo al Moro.

Translation, by Orietta da Rold and Guyda Armstrong
Stanzas written on the occasion of a masque, led by her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain on January 6th, 1608.
1
Amor has been sleeping more than usual on his mother’s bosom, so she threatens him, and shouts: ‘Lazy child, you make your mother utterly unhappy, she who relies on you. Take your darts and quiver, and make sure that there are more sighs and cries as a result of your shots. Look, wretched child, I foresee that you will be shamed and mocked for your contrariness’.

2
He is offended and full of indignation, and springs up, and complains about his harsh and wicked mother. Then he places his young hand on his bow, and flies upwards, heading into the heavens. The goddess perceives her son’s anger, and forgets herself as his laments fade; and fired by a piercing remorse, makes the earth and the heavens resound:

3
‘Oh, come back, my son, to your maternal kingdom’, she cries, ‘Come back, my soul, my light, my heart. My sweet beloved, what are you thinking? Where does this resentment come from, which drives you to such great rage? Oh, come back, my heart’s delight, he is the only person who can support me in my pain; where would I not go to avoid being deprived of you? Do you really want this, that I should live in despair?’

4
With these, and other sorrowful remarks, the beautiful goddess waits for her son; and from time to time, she beats her pale breast with her own hands, and becomes kindled with rage. Amor is deaf to her, and rives the air above as hard as he can in soaring flight. Then he angrily rips the blindfold from his eyes, sees the light, and turns towards the earth.

5
He sees an island, surrounded by the sea, among the other regions of the earth. This is noble Anglia, and the King of the great Britons dwells here, dressed in virtue. Amor resolves to quiet his wings and set foot here, before the day hides the sun. And so he finds himself above this land, and decides to make for the capital city of the kingdom.

6
Quickly he cleaves the air, and finds himself above the right bank of the lovely Thames , on whose fertile shores London lies, and upon whom the heavens have bestowed their every gift. Here virtue and nobility are brought to life, here courtesy is held in high esteem; here the Graces have their temple, and here beautiful and sweet Flora is honoured in her every season.

7
Flying by, he admires this lovely place in detail, and instead of continuing his flight, stops to look more closely. Magically the night readies itself for its rest in the icy bosom of the vast earth; and in the tranquil sea, and in the serene heavens, every east wind and every breeze desists from its wanderings; and while the heavens are covered by more and more stars, every mortal ceases from their usual toil.

8
He is already wondering where he might rest those young limbs, which are tired from his journey; whether to hide himself, or let others see him, since is still remembering his indignation. In the end he decides to go to the court, which seems to him to be the safest place; and here, hidden among the ladies, to his great delight he hopes to find some refuge.

9
He thinks that he might hide himself in the brows or the snow-white bosom of a beautiful lady. And here, among the souls of this beautiful kingdom, he will show exactly how cruel Amor can be, and what an angry Amor is capable of. He says, ‘I shall enclose myself forever within these beautiful breasts, oh, what a happy state! I will not take any more notice of Venus, nor her kingdom. I do not fear her threats, or her scorn’.

10
‘Here I will show what my skill can do, so that perhaps she will be pleased with me in the end. I will try to do this for others, since I am able; and when my fire wounds and torments, my flight will not have been in vain. In fact, I want news of it to be heard as far as heaven; and my fires will be so cruel that they will burn both men and gods.’

11
Thus he speaks, and meanwhile arrives at the lofty court, and passes through, hiding himself from other people’s eyes. He sees that sorrow and weeping are banished from this place, and only laughter and play abound here. He hears musical voices in every sort of song, and Echo replies to their harmony; Echo alternates with the voices, and Amor is absorbed in them, and the anger and sorrow in his breast are almost extinguished.

12
But he makes his way to where a new day shines out from thousands upon thousands of torches; he arrives where a new heaven has been created out of sweet breezes, the lively breezes of celestial spirits; and passes through, and sees true vestiges of glory, as if he were almost in heaven. He distinguishes loving faces, and pilgrims among the angelic, divine choirs.

13
Beneath a lovely sky, shining with many rays, he sees the royal throne, the sublime throne; just like that one that Phaeton saw in the east, when he ascended into his father’s realm. But once again, resentment fills Cupid’s mind; a celestial goddess reveals herself to him, angelic in appearance, gesture, and deed, and so he believes the Cyprian to be here.

14
The royal lady seated beneath the lovely throne shines among the beautiful nymphs who surround her, in the very same way that the sun displays itself adorned among the stars. This is the reason that the blind archer believes himself to be in heaven, where the daylight is eternal; this is why, confused, he no longer knows what to do, whether he should hide, or instead show himself.

15
‘This is neither the island of Cyprus, nor is it Paphos; nor am I in heaven, which I’ve only just left; nor could Venus have got here so soon, to have arrived here before me to cause me trouble. But who then is that angelic and modest being, shining with those sweet rays? And if it is not her, who else could it be, to have gathered in them so much beauty?’

16
The more he looks at her, the more he believes that she is that goddess who is honoured throughout the world; he notices her beautiful attributes with wonder, that grace, that loveliness which enamours others; and while he contemplates her in her splendour, gilded by her shafts of light, he reflects, and considers laying aside his indignation, and humbly begging her forgiveness for his failure.

17
When he sees her rise and lead a celestial and glorious dance in graceful circles, he asks himself, ‘Amor, what are you doing? What are you thinking? Who are you admiring? Do even the Gods in heaven behave in such ways? Not Phoebus nor Diana in their orbits can set forth the motions of the glorious heavens as well as this lady does; even Jove and every starry sphere yield to the movements of this lady, who rules over souls’.

18
Wherever, with majesty, she places her lovely foot, it seems as though the earth germinates and blossoms; here you can see a lily sprout, and here a rose; the room is embellished with new honours. And her tresses spread out, golden and magnificent, and form sweet snares around a thousand hearts; and the halo which surrounds her, seizes her rich and esteemed prey, and wounds them with love.

19
‘Ah, this indeed is the grace and loveliness of my heavenly genetrix, since I well remember her lofty beauty, her lovely features, and her fair face’. So, inebriated with joy and sweetness together, Amor so speaking, wanders about, keeping his gaze fixed on the eyes of that lady, in whose embrace he finds so much sweet repose in heaven and on earth.

20
But now behold the noble crowd, who are also dancing, making a splendid display which looks so delightful, so beautiful, to others’ eyes; since that which is hidden in heaven, is here made manifest. Amor has never seen the sun nor stars shine so bright in the celestial spheres, nor has he ever seen there such a rich treasury of pearls and rubies and emeralds and gold.

21
The young boy hovers on the wing, and prepares his eyes for greater marvels. He sees a boy in such exquisite garb that he is filled with wonder and amazement. He believes immediately that this boy is a new Cupid, and could not be reprimanded for thinking this, even in error, since from his beautiful features and appearance, and from his eyes, it could well be believed that he is indeed the son of Venus.

22
Cupid goes from fear to error, from scorn to rage, and desires only vengeance. He trembles, torments, and tortures himself, invoking his harsh and unfair destiny, saying to himself: ‘So now others aspire to usurp my lofty glory and fame? Have I been so betrayed by Cytherea that, now, neglected, I will have to make my way while others point the finger?’

23
‘Am I to believe this other one comes from my beautiful kingdom? Besides Amor, is there another Cupid in the world? Will I suffer my sceptre and my seat to be possessed by new gods, in Paphos and in Gnido? Oh heaven, is this therefore your lofty reward for my prowess? Ungrateful and untrustworthy heaven, what do you want? That I, like a vile and base subject, should yield up my glory and my kingdom to another lord?’

24
‘Ah, this cannot be true, since I am that Amor, as I always have been; and if I still have my bow, and my arrows, and the usual passion rages in my breast, and if my wings are still attached to my shoulders, I will tear that other one apart, he who is on the throne, to end my pain; nor will I see my great courage weakened; sentiment will yield to rage, and Venus shall know that Cupid’s torch is not yet extinguished.’

25
‘But my bitter vengeance shall befall the new one, and cause her great distress, let what I desire become destiny, and you, my darts, will prepare the path for me, and cause blame and damage to others; the disdainful son has come to earth to shame the goddess and this foolhardy deception. Fly, fly, my faithful darts! I am counting on you to take noble vengeance for such an outrage.’

26
That said, he picks the arrow chosen for this purpose, from his quiver, for his own pleasure; and fits it in the bow, and bends it, and lo, sends it flying towards the beautiful boy; he shoots the feathered dart, and it cleaves the air, and does not fail to hit the mark, striking him in the chest, its destined target; but it was the act of one who was empty of love.

27
However, the elder of the court of God, who is responsible for the lofty care of his kings, and who never forgets his duties, solicits the intercession of great Jove. Perceiving here Amor’s irrational desire, with invisible help he saves the little boy from death, stopping the force of the impact on his body, and preventing the wound from hurting.

28
But he could not prevent the beautiful Hyacinth from hitting the floor, adorned in all its beauty; so that Amor thought that he was dead, and flew upwards to taunt and mock him even more. His eyes were blazing and his face was flushed, and there was a faint purple glow around him; growing calm again, he cleared the lovely lights, and fled into the night, scattering the stars.

29
The unknown reason for the fall filled every heart full of astonishment; all tongues were stilled with concern, and no eyes could contain their teardrops. But as no wound or injury could be seen on him, all faces regained their serenity, and every sad heart was transformed into happiness when the royal child stood up again.

30
Cupid, when he saw his shot fail and realized that someone had prevented his revenge, felt he would die or go mad, and quickly began plotting his revenge in another way. But the Genius, who saw him, wicked and cruel, approaches him without wasting any time; loosening his tongue in such a sound, says: ‘I am the guardian of this court’.

31
‘But tell me, you, quivered archer, where did you learn how to do such a noble deed, that you show yourself to be disdainful towards a child? Do you perhaps lack something, which you can only prove with your powers? Go and put down your bow and arrows, as you have truly achieved new and uncommon deeds today; you have always been a child, and today you are more childish than ever, since you are only capable of injuring a little boy.’

32
‘Go on, go back to the starry spheres to boast of your deeds, and do not disturb the lofty joy and song of these our realms. But if you are indeed Cupid, as you seem to be by your bearing, your beloved divine face, why do you have such cruel and savage desires? How can your celestial heart contain so much fury?’

33
Cupid blazes with anger to hear such a speech; he cannot tolerate such an insult and such shame, and shows his hand, ready to take revenge, by his malevolent look and menacing cry. He calls the Genius brutal, wicked, and treacherous, his anger mounting continually; but the Genius, who sees and understands his fury, seeks to calm him with sweet words.

34
And he says humbly: ‘I beg your pardon, oh little god, for my foolish tongue; this mean-spirited speech come with age. Call a truce with your anger, and behave instead in a benevolent way. I know very well that your worth is well known among the gods, nor is it neglected among mortals; and if you are worthy of the graces of a god, then tell me at least the reason for such indignation.’

35
He feels at first mocked, then valued; so puts aside much of his anger, and with proud bearing and with some relief, explains the reason for his flight; and in relating his sorrowful state, he flushes several times, and intersperses his words with sobs. And says: ‘I am wretched, and I thought I would be happy’.

36
‘As soon as I set my foot down here, I saw what I most desired to see. Then, miserable me, I find that Venus holds court here, she who only desires to trick me. Look at her divine appearance, which contains all that beauty which heaven, or God, bestows. See how she humiliates and wounds me, by making another the ruler of my kingdom.’

37
‘Therefore I thought to revenge myself on the boychild, whom we now gaze upon; and if I am disdainful towards him, it is only because he pretends to my kingdom. But believe me, he is slightly mistaken if he does not fear my strength and wrath. And if, in truth, my powers are innocuous and weak, then other arrogant people would have been able to escape my darts before this.’

38
‘And you perhaps, are still her servant, using another trick to keep an eye on me; and I am so foolish, still standing here without looking for a means of revenge. But before the new dawn rises in the sky, I will make sure that my wrath is not in vain. It cannot be true, that my powers have been extinguished, those powers with which I have triumphed over the gods in heaven many times.’

39
‘Jove knows it well, who has tested his power more than once against my darts; let Mars tell if I, with a fresh effort, made his weapons weaker and more frail. But it pleases me now to tell of my deeds, even if they are already in themselves well-known and immortal; and Cytherea knows that her bosom has welcomed my fire many times.’

40
‘And I, the conquerer of men and Gods, the great subjugator of the universe, am I to be neglected? And my fires, and my fury, are they to be turned against me? No, no, let my cries be heard, and if the other is in my place, I shall wander, lost, until I obtain my rest and peace; and if Venus does not want me, I shall not care.’

41
So he speaks, and in the meantime that God smiles, because he recognizes Cupid’s sweet deceit; and so, to temper his indignation a little, he starts again, saying: ‘O great Lord of Gnido, drive away your wrath and fury, cease your weeping; this place is safe and devoted to you. There is no deceit here, and I see no trickery; only courtesy dwells here.’

42
‘The lady whose majestic appearance you are admiring is not Venus, although she resembles her; those graces find a trusted haven in her. And she is the sister, mother, wife, and daughter of a king. The lovely little boy is her beloved son, in whom she is reflected and who she advises; he is indeed the virtuous son of virtuous parents, the young heir to the kingdom of Britain.’

43
As sometimes happens in the new season, dark clouds veil the face of the sun, and with horrible thunder the dark storm scolds and menaces the air, the earth, and the sea; if Phoebus then dissolves and chases it away here and there with his warm beams, and every meadow and flower laughs at his shining golden face,

44
So brightens Cupid’s face at these sweet words uttered by the guardian; the tempestuous winds of his rage fly away, along with the foolish mistake which previously enveloped him; his beautiful shining eyes light up, and he showed how much sweetness Amor possesses. And enflaming their hearts with new passion, it seemed as though everyone was shouting, ‘Love rules here’.

45
And them with a peaceful and kind voice, he turns to the Genius, and so speaking to him, says: ‘Pray, what chance has guided and driven me here, that may perhaps be the origin of my every good fortune? Oh, may no evil breezes from the heavens ever blow in this land, to make you happy. Tell me, good guardian, why is it that I see so much varied and infinite beauty gathered here?’

46
He replied: ‘The assorted people you see around you have come to watch that lovely band, whom you admired earlier, dancing in triple circles around the royal throne; they have dedicated themselves as the guard of honour to the goddess of the Britons, she who was the cause of your sorrow and sighs, when she was dancing to the harmonious sounds; and she rules over them and guides them’.

47
‘The story being staged here is make-believe, but there is nothing feigned about the divine beauty with which heaven has adorned these noble and well-born souls for our greater glory; this is why they are gilded, empearled, and adorned with purple, so that everything demonstrates their excellence. They are pretending to be nymphs of the night, and at first, were all black, with dark faces.’

48
‘But afterwards, to the shame of the goddess of Delos, the night changed their dark appearance, and made them so white that the maker of the stars himself came to them like a lover from heaven. Then, escorted by an auspicious star and holy zeal, they set foot at last in Anglia; after three years during which their island had wandered the ocean in vain.’

49
‘In her spite, the triform goddess had confined them to this island with this fate: that they should never find peace, but instead go wheeling on the wavy brine, until they came to a place where they would find beauty equal to their own; and where loveliness would be adored and revered with ineffable sweetness.’

50
‘And since Anglia is unique in the world for its beauties, valour, and elegance, it is here that the gentle, joyful and pretty band has added its beauty to the beauty which was already here; here the wandering island has dropped anchor in that place where the divine goddess has destined it should remain; this is the reason why the nymphs, full of joy and boldness, have formed themselves into this graceful dance.

51
Here the Genius stopped, but Cupid then asks: ‘Pray, please go on, and satisfy my curiosity. The other ladies, who fill the room, tell me who they are, and what they are called.’ To which he replied, ‘The dawn will come before I can name them all for you, but to curb your desire, and only for that reason, I will tell you about the most esteemed group.’

52
‘But where will I find the voice and the words worthy of such an excellent and lofty subject? What can I say about she who, above the sun, has given such a noble shelter to his thoughts? A woman, unique among women, a sun among them, and alone, a sun in heaven. Therefore, Cupid, now bow with me before this lady, the high queen of the Britons.’

53
‘ Queen and goddess together, her great name resounds aloud, gloriously and happily; her beautiful head and glorious tresses are worthy only to be dignified by a golden crown of stars. The whole world now refers to her as the empress of their hearts; she is the source of much poetic inspiration as Anne ’s worth is recorded in glorious poems, inscribed in bronze and marble.’

54
‘And let this be enough since it is better to be silent and to say little in speech, than to err. Let us instead gather whatever is most remarkable among these most noble souls who are in this place; graces which heaven concedes to but a few; a soul which enflames the gods with its beautiful fire; a beauty infinite and beyond understanding, which demonstrates and anticipates the beauty of heaven.’

55
‘She who can be seen next to her is a woman of eternal fame and immortal renown; Arabella is her name, and in prudence she surpasses every other famous woman of these shores. Every heroic virtue dwells within her bosom, and her cherished honour is her faithful companion; a person of great learning and distinguished valour, she is also related to the royal blood.’

56
‘Look at her, who so gracefully shines, still unconquered by Love; a beautiful warrior, whose armour is illuminated and ignited by Phoebus in his blazing sphere of heaven; this is the Countess of Arundel, who holds dominion over every soul, as well as every beast, just as Penthesilea showed herself to do in the Trojan camp, and her name is Alathea.’

57
‘ Alice Derby is the next one; there she goes, crowned with so many honours and merits, and rightly proud of her beauty, which would be renowned in ancient times as well in our age; and as long as souls dwell in their ashen mortal shells, the fame of this august woman will last; her great and innate kindness will still be esteemed in future times.’

58
‘But what shall I say about you, a soul worthy of an empire, in whom reigns nobility and valour? Lucy , true portrait of every virtue, a haven of courtesy and every honour. She holds the title of Bedford, a lofty inheritance for many, many heroes, all of great splendour; and she is the one that I point out and show to you there, the ornament and splendour of our century.’

59
‘There you see Susan Montgomery , shining splendour of this royal court; of such appearance that I do not know if any other could claim greater prettiness; not even that charioteer who brings the daylight to us, rising so beautiful from the celestial gates, is as lovely as her; beautiful among the other beauties, she is more beautiful than any other star.’

60
‘See Anne Clifford , the illustrious and lovely daughter of the noble Earl of Cumberland , the source of every grace, adorned with virtue, and such a beauty that she satisfies everyone who looks at her. A thousand flirtations play across her face; and even without your weapons she wounds and injures; in such a way that her sweetly pretty, lively glances become new arrows and unusual flames.’

61
‘Look at those four sisters united together in equal merit and unique value; they are the divine and agreeable daughters of the Earl of Worcester , and worthy of high honour. They are wise, prudent, and dressed in honesty, an example to all souls, and the cause of ardour in every bosom; and so that you might know their names, one is called Anne , two Catherine , and the other one Elizabeth .’

62
‘ Mary Neville is next, beloved daughter of the Earl of Dorset , and her deeds are so well-known and so renowned, that the world is drunk with wonder; so only the dawn, perhaps, which bejewels the eastern shores and adorns them with flowers, resembles her; and among her unique and beautiful gifts, she rises above the stars with her beautiful thoughts.’

63
‘Hatton, the daughter of the Earl of Exeter , is the first one, and the other is of the Kildares; one called Gerald and the other Chichester, the astute daughter of the Baron of Harrington . Look next at that lady, endowed with noble courtesy, indeed, each one is clever; and her, the illustrious lady that I am showing you, who is adorned with ornaments, is called Walsingham .’

64
The kind old man had given Cupid true information about the noble crowd, which was led by the beautiful goddess of the Britons, as if she were Phyllis or Nera. But the little boy was burning with desire to find out who were the others; without further ado, he begged him to continue, so, pointing them out with his finger, the other said:

65
‘The beautiful and most serene maiden whom you are admiring over there is a girl in age but in knowledge already a woman; since the cradle, a heavenly spirit has dwelt within her and guided her. High virtue and valour play within her, nor does her femininity does not negate her mind; she is a prize from heaven, given to our century; the beloved soul, daughter of our King and Queen .’

66
‘ Elizabeth is her name, and within her one can see, among the royal features, a royal soul. A unique princess in the world, behold her rise. Ancient glory and great esteem is her due. And this poor praise, which this humble old man offers to her, makes a shabby ornament for her. Her merits should be celebrated instead by a thousand upon thousand Homers, and a thousand Orpheuses.’

67
‘To tell you of the merits of all the others, then, who stand near to her, would perhaps take too long; you can see definitely a noble appearance in the face of the first, and illustrious and assured thoughts. Ah, why is there not enough time granted to me, so that I might lay open the qualities of Mary for you? She is the countess of Pembroke , and her graceful appearance shows her to be the elected idol of the world.’

68
‘The other one, adorned with such value that she seems eternal, is the Countess of Suffolk . Now look at the noble and happy couple, one of them of Alcester and the other of Suffolk ; and that well-born soul, unique in the world, who guides that sun which brings the day to Anglia; she whose upbringing and beautiful morals are the sphere and light of the lofty princess.’

69
‘This is Anne Harrington , next to whom Elizabeth Hutton proudly stands, she whose serious and divine appearance shows her to be venerable and austere. Look at Honoria Hay , of sublime and devout spirit, among the other beauties in the crowd; and she of Haddington, and the other next to her, whose face manifestly resembles you, Amor.’

70
‘Look at her, does she not seem like the heavenly sun, from her beautiful eyes to her pale breast? That sun resembles she who made Actaeon’s graceful limbs turn into those of a beast; and she is of Wroth, who recalls for us the divine and beautiful perfection of heaven; and if true honesty may dwell in a woman, it will be discovered and seen in the lovely Mary .’

71
‘Look at Jane Drummond ; the last judgement makes her heart generous. She has no equals for prudence, and, in addition to her other merits, feminine worth adorns and renews her. And her wise learning surpasses the intellect of others, nor does she lack any of the virtues. She is full of grace and adorned with that honesty which beautifies our age so much.’

72
Thus, the Genius went from one to the next, pointing out the most beautiful and the most illustrious of them, praising many of them, and naming them all. At the end, he turned his speech to another subject. Turning his eyes away until they stopped at that place where that King of rare prowess stood among the great heroes, he made known to beautiful Cupid the merits and renown of James the Great.

73
‘This’, he said, ‘is the great King, in whose hand was placed the sceptre of the triple kingdom: a man of sublime deeds and sovereign worth, born only to reign, born only to this empire. The abundance of his qualities surpasses human understanding, and he is armed with mercy. He is a king of generous heart and wise counsel, of just thoughts and venerable mien’.

74
‘He is the elected repository of ancient piety, ancient faith, and immense justice. He has a royal and august soul, which is the enemy of vice, and is enflamed only by virtue; he is an object of glory and the friend of magnificence; the heavens rain down and bestow graces upon him. Ah, it would be easier to count the stars than enumerate his uncommon and beautiful gifts.’

75
‘But the most beautiful and noble of all in the world is the prince , his son, who is seated in front of him; he is a prince of lofty worth and courtesy, with his royal demeanour and his lovely face. The lofty innate mercy of his genitor, and his worth, are engraved in him, and he gives off true signs of his lofty knowledge. He is the chosen one, elected to the Crowns of the Kingdoms.’

76
‘Sublime Henry, you pick the fruits of glory before the flowers have even been seen. All heaven and earth look to you, excepting those others who have been eclipsed by your qualities, those qualities which you have already acquired and for which you are celebrated. Since that time, when you opened your eyes to the kingly arts, your glorious and illustrious merits will live on for many thousands and thousands of years.’

77
‘And with good reason, if ever the crown of Mars adorns your head; at that news the tired world will surrender to this new Alcides, and will fear your power. And I, who wish for this, behold me heartened; this hope will allow my strength to fade away, and I will see eternal crowns prepared for you in heaven, if the veil of the future is opened to me.’

78
‘The little Duke of York is the one that you shot in the belief that he was Amor; son to the King , and brother to the Prince. In years he is still a boy, but not in his heart. His appearance is loving and beautiful, a sign, you note, of his lofty worth. And I can tell, even though this is a long way away, that the armed hordes will not be able to resist his power.’

79
‘He, then, who sits at the right-hand of the King , is Don Pedro de Finega , the ambassador of that monarch, to whom the world has already surrendered, the shining light of the great kingdom of Spain . Decorated with virtue and immaculate faith, these qualities so necessary to the noble heart, and with such generous affections and deeds, he reveals himself to others as a knight of great merit.’

80
‘Look at him, who proudly shines on his left, the son of the unconquerable queen of the seas: Giorgio Giustiniani, in whom gleams true prudence and unique advice. Over there in the Adriatic sea, where the winged lion of the empire stretches out its savage claw, he was well chosen from a thousand heroes of great intellect to be elected a worthy ambassador to this court.’

81
‘And that one you see there is the Duke of Lennox : grave in countenance and of courteous appearance. He is a greatly esteemed knight, and, believe me, is gifted with great prudence and intelligence. The other is the Earl of Arundel, and think of any virtue you like; he will embody it. If you seek nobility, courtesy, or faith, look for him, for they reside in his breast.’

82
‘And the other one is the High Marshall of this Kingdom, the Count of Worcester , a man of great merit. I give you Sutton , that one who is agreeable and stern, invincible in spirit, and of expert skill; look at the lofty Count of Nottingham , the Grand Admiral, who is held in high esteem; and next to him is Suffolk , now the worthy Grand Chamberlain in the British kingdom.’

83
‘Walk around, in disguise, and look at him, whose face shows him to be careful and fair. He is the Count of Northampton , who embodies all that is remarkable in a man. Look at the other one, who is engrossed, alone, and who, as an illustrious hero, directs himself to sublime and rare deeds. He is the Count of Pembroke , so wise that he can vaunt himself as one of the most worthy Knights.’

84
‘But what advice, what knowledge, what soul, has been granted generously to you, Count Robert ; since to you alone, fate has given the palm of honour, you alone, it has elected prudent, the gloriousness of your fame and soul will never cease, even as time goes by. Fate is not yet satiated with you, and will call you to further honours, to new palms, and new laurels.’

85
‘And this one is the Count of Salisbury , and the other one, who is in the spring of his life, is the noble Count of Montgomery , in comparison to whom every other grace appears base. See Viscount Lyle , the earth has given him no equal; the other is the Baron Carew , a grave and just man, crowned with wise thoughts and prudence.’

86
‘ Baron Wotton , who you see over there, is known for his good advice and unique worth; he is the prize and splendour of this our age. His only lofty desire is for eternal glory. The other, who is well worthy of the highest honour, even if he looks like only a boy, aspires to much. And if virtue is now to be made so clear, you will now see the great elders come forward as well.’

87
‘And this is Baron Walden , in whom the true glory of a thousand heroes shines, so that, by emulating them he may inspire himself all the more to the most magnanimous and sincere virtue. And every conquered soul in the world offers itself up to him at his name, however bold or proud they may be. And fortune and heaven smile on him so much that it seems as though he challenges the whole world for glory.’

88
‘The one I am pointing out to you does not yield at all to anyone else, in thoughts or desire; a generous, lofty, and pious knight, who else is worthy of girding his sword on these shores? What have I heard tell of the excellent works of others? Who was ever so brave and courageous? It is Thomas Somerset , beloved of the heavens, the shelter of grace and refuge of virtue.’

89
‘But look over there, where the lofty crown of the Scottish nobility are gathered. heaven has assembled so many graces in them that the whole world thunders and rings in their praise. Mars and Bellona have always conceded the highest glory in war and fortune to them; they have made themselves worthy in mind, strength, and worth, so that each one of them is honoured.’

90
‘Behold the Count of Dunbar , who sits next to the one from Marr and the Baron of Aubigny. Each one of them is the heir to high virtue, which will place them in glory at their end. Roxburgh is the other one, who surpasses everyone else in prudence, merit, and reason; and Sanquhar is his noble and proud neighbour. How many others are there such as these, within the British Empire?’

91
‘But that one, so happy and merry, who fearlessly moves his steps through the path of the stars, is James Hay , who happily makes himself a crown of sublime new virtues. He is the Baron of Haddington , and stands there, loftily, and the heavens almost weep, so generous is his breast, and heart; and who blazes with honour both inside and out.’

92
‘But it will take too long if I fully praise each one of them to you; so rather than providing you with slim pickings, and not keep my promise, I will speak of only one of them; he now lives far away in the bosom of his joys. It was his sweet beloved destiny which made him go far away from this court.’

93
‘He spends his days happily in his homeland of Scotland , adorned with every grace. And so it seems that his ancestors are honoured and adorned by him, since he exercises virtue more than anyone else. He is the Count of Perth , and in his most beautiful years behaves in such a way that makes him fully content. His desires are always benevolent; he is almost a torch of honour, a fountain of glory.’

94
‘Nor will I leave you behind, you, mirror of beautiful Etruria, who now lives amongst us: with what virtue you shine, bright star, O Lotti ; from such celestial shores! heaven has called you now to the most sublime of deeds, which will set you amongst the divine ones; and your Grand Duke and your fatherland rejoice at the honour and valour that they hear of in you.’

95
While the Genius was saying this, he looked around to see if he could see the valiant youth; a fair face appeared to him, adorned with light; it struck his eyes almost as though it was the moment when dark night turns into day in the sphere of Phoebus, when the flaming wheels of the sun emerge out of silvery softness, and a hundred upon hundred beams resonate around it.

96
At the discovery of this new beauty, the Genius stays silent and Amor stands still: but as soon as he is able, he speaks: ‘Here is a new splendour, from a new heaven; this is the lofty and beautiful Frances Howard , Countess of Essex , who is worthy of high honour; the stars themselves yield to the dazzling power of such a beautiful dawn, and the sun has fallen in love with her’.

97
So he speaks, and Amor contemplates and considers her, praising and admiring those lofty, rare, and Aeolian features; he derives joy and wonder from them. The beautiful one, who has mocked heaven, is jealous of the sun, who has elected himself her lover; in the end he sighs, he cares about nothing else, nor wants to know about anyone else. And thus Amor himself, is enflamed little by little, and is consumed by his own fire.

98
And he says: ‘Oh, beautiful one, if light, and that goodness which could make me happy and blithe, reside within you; if you are more graceful than a red rose; if you can extract my soul from the infernal depths, arrange it that I too might take shelter within you, just as that God, who gave love to the world, resides within you. Let your lovely face and lovely breast, be a refuge for Amor, as it is for the Graces’.

99
And thus without saying any more, the little boy went to her lovely face. And reveals himself to others now in her eyes, now in her graceful laugh, now in her beautiful flowing locks. And while he rejoices in this paradise, a thousand hearts are burned and reduced to ashes, since before, that face was regarded highly, but now, how can one resist, now Love has been added to it?

100
Meanwhile, like a bee he sips sweet honey from the red roses, and flies away, and plays, and soars, and dives, and flees, and makes a thousand sweet and loving conquests. Yet eventually he finds refuge in that pure breast, in which he had already rested, thanks to his own efforts, and finds the greatest joy and delight there, between two hills of equal, perfect whiteness.

101
But in the meantime, Venus has descended from the third heaven, looking for Amor, her son, and asking for him with maternal zeal, showing the sorrow she has in her heart: ‘Ah, I regret more and more now what I said about him, in my sudden and impious anger. Alas, I showed myself to be too severe towards my beloved son, with too indignant a face.’

102
So she laments, and in this way lets loose her voice and loudly shouts: ‘O, you mortals, listen to me, Venus, who descends to you seeking a cure for my great sorrows. My baby boy, if I understand rightly, flew here, and here folded his wings. Therefore tell me if you have news of him, tell me if my runaway is down here’.

103
‘I do not want to have to ask you, graceful ladies, you who are too often cruel to Amor. You often joke about him, and out of pride, you have armed your bosoms against his allurements. But soon I hope to have him again with me, where the hours are passed in tranquillity and happiness. I hope to find him here among courteous men, where the Empire of love joyously reigns.’

104
‘And he who can show me where he is will be well compensated. Therefore everyone must strive to find him, if they wish to taste the nectar from my lips. And the person who can do this, who can make him come to me humbly, having laid aside his earlier rage and fury, will have the greatest prize that the kingdom of love can bestow.’

105
As soon as the divine goddess appeared, the Genius was immediately enflamed with an amorous zeal; and hearing what she has promised to that person who will restore her son to her, he says: ‘No greater good fortune than this could happen to me now’. And turning towards beautiful Cytherea shining there, he says, ‘O beautiful goddess, it is heaven’s will that you will find happiness’.

106
‘May you be as happy as you make this glorious and beautiful court. Now lay aside your anguish, and dry your eyes, because you will have news of your beloved son here, provided that you keep your promise: that what you said was not a lie, and that he who tells you where he is will have a sweet kiss from your beautiful lips.’

107
‘May the Stygian swamp take your dead body before I break my promise; but more than anything else, I want to see the angelic and lovely face of my beautiful son, Amor.’ Thus she spoke, and her eyes flashed with an honourable radiance, almost like lightning; and she showed the many beauties of heaven in her laugh, her movements, and her countenance.

108
Then the old man added, ‘Your Cupid is lying hidden in Frances’s bosom, in which he has made a happy nest, almost like heaven, and here he rejoices and is content. O, how faithful a friend that shelter is for his joys, and rest assured, it emulates yours; and although it cannot compare to your beauty, it is not far away.’

109
The lovely goddess thus turns her eyes and her brows towards that beautiful face and beautiful bosom, and makes out her boy between those snowy mounds. The child is so absorbed in his love that he does not immediately notice the goddess, and when he sees her he blushes; but the goddess, full of loving affection, takes him, kisses him, and holds him close to her breast.

110
And after the caresses, the sweet kisses, and an apology given to the blind archer, the proud little boy is full of joy, and looses a thousand burning darts into people’s hearts. Sweet rage, sweet resentment, and sweet reconciliation make the loving realm so sweet; and even the sweet eyes of my lady, which I have never seen, turn sweetly towards me.

111
And then the beautiful goddess turned and offered her sweet and loving lips to the guardian; and he drank from them, and took a kiss sweeter than fresh roses from them. And in tasting these hidden delights, his soul dissolved and melted away in pleasure; but the great and infinite sweetness of the kiss also brought him back to life.

112
Not only did it strengthen his spirit, but he also saw himself transformed into his younger self; he therefore did not fail to render thanks to the great goddess, whose work he believed it to be. And she, who never tires of giving thanks through good deeds to others, takes Amor by the hand, lifts up her gaze towards the stars, and begins again:

113
‘Great father Jove, make this court august above all others, for all time. May the glorious merits of this divine and royal couple be seen, and may they always be crowned with them. And may the noble seed, with whom she is verdant, surpass all the heroes of antiquity; and, when they finally leave their mortal bodies, I shall see them with the other stars in heaven.’

114
‘May piety, and justice, and every grace and virtue be gathered here; may every pleasure and plenty abound here, the highest good that may be bestowed by heaven. May anguish be far away, and may every soul possess only happiness. This is no place for fraud, or deceitful ambitions; may this be a temple of love, a temple of peace.’

115
‘Lovely and beautiful ladies, may grace and beauty always be united within you; devoted handmaids, be of chaste love, so that your souls will be more pleasing to heaven. But for this reason, do not ever be pitiless and rebellious towards those who live for you; rather, you should open the gates of your mercy to he who proves himself to be the most constant and strong in his love for you.’

116
‘And you, I will make you lovely and noble above all others, so that you seem to be a heavenly, rather than mortal, creature; since my son humbled himself for you, I shall praise you, since no other is equal to you; and for that beautiful flower, with which April covers you, Jove will make you forever immortal; and let famous heroes come from you from Mauretania to the eastern shores.’

117
The Graces, Amor, and I together with them will always look favourably on your desires; may you live in hope, O Ladies.; let your feelings be our feelings too. And because now we must depart from here to return to our starry cloisters, Amor and I must now set forth from this lofty seat of the great court.’

118
And leaving the Guardian and the royal hall behind them, the daughter of great Jove and Amor disappeared; a thousand lovely angels were singing, overwhelming everyone with joy and delight. Every soul found itself in sweet passion when the bequivered God took his leave; nor was there a breast so cold, nor heart so hard, that did not then feel the burning of love.

119
Ah, if you, Elizabeth , had been gathered in the ranks of the other beauties, Amor would have heard the full story of your lofty and supreme virtues, the virtuous seed of your great ancestors, and Talbot’s noble offspring. And the Guardian would have made manifest the worth of your great father, the great Gilbert .

120
Whatever the reason for his fame, he is known as an illustrious man, and this is due to himself; his glory impressed Shrewsbury, and thus other people, so that he overshadows all others. But which other woman can be more exalted by heaven, and so near it? Which other woman is more like a torch ignited by the celestials than your genetrix? in whom honour shines out, another splendour, comparable to the sun?

121
Among women, she is an inexhaustible source of virtue, valour, and courtesy; she shuns and disdains glory and ambition; her noble brow is betrothed only to piety. Among the gifts heaven has bestowed on her, her generous heart and humble stature; indeed, the whole world harvests a priceless fruit of goodness in Mary alone.

122
Here is the distinguished knight of Candicci, noble Charles , your well worthy uncle, who is esteemed as a true support, as for his every other virtue, among other heroes. There is therefore a straight line, in this noble frieze of so many souls, which in you goes beyond all bounds; since the noble root produces only noble fruit, and glory is drawn forth from virtue.

123
Indeed, O Lady, you so surpass the worth of every ornamented and beautiful woman, that heaven, which sees your beautiful and open mind, has already destined you to become one of its stars; and your great worth means that the path to heaven will not be too steep, when you are called; since, if my judgement is correct, heaven lies within you, and you are a celestial being.

124
Thus, I consecrate and give these my rhymes to you, as to the immortal heavenly deity. Indeed, may the immense river of your benevolence welcome the gift; I will make your sublime and resplendent spirit the subject of another speech, which you will hear; and your lofty virtues will be heard and honoured from north to south, and from the Indian to the Moorish sea.

Bibliography
Orrell (1979-80)